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Mogao Cave 17: Life of the Buddha
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Mogao Cave 17: Life of the Buddha
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty (618–907); Ink and color on silk; 65.5 x 19 cm; British Museum, London, United Kingdom
This 9th century painting depicts scenes from the story of the Birth of Prince Siddhartha. Flower and cloud patterns run across the top of the picture. In the upper register, upon colorful clouds, there are images of the seven treasures of the cakravartin (wheel-turning monarch): a wheel, a queen, a general, a minister, an elephant, a horse, and a jewel. Moving downwards, nine nagas are painted within black clouds. Below, the newly born Prince Siddhartha stands on a pedestal, surrounded by maids. At the bottom of the picture, the newly born prince is shown taking seven steps in each of the four directions. |
